Welcome back to another eSports write-up from Optimus Crime. This week, we change our focus from the LCK and League of Legends in general, and shine the spotlight on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and what's happening close to home. This Thursday will be week 7 of the group stage in the ESL Australia and New Zealand Championships, and will be an undisputedly action pack week of games.
SIDE NOTE: The only mention of League of Legends this article, I promise!! But MVP just destroyed Afreeca Freecs in the wildcard qualifiers, and are now playing KT Rolster in the quarter finals. My heart is racing, these guys were freaking 101-1 to take out the tournament, and are now in the quarter finals against a team they've beaten both times this split. MVP... take a freaking bow, you are the new God's of the rift, and if you win this tournament I will give you anything (yes, anything * wink * ) you want, I have $10 on you at $101 to take the tournament out. Do it, you legends. Anyway, back to CS:GO...
Kicking off on Thursday (13/4/2017) we will see some of the top teams battling it out to claim a place in playoffs, and show the region why they are the best. With some unfortunate management issues plaguing a couple of teams (Exile 5 have dropped management, and are currently competing under 'Team Supremacy'), there is an enormous need for some of these teams to prove themselves to continue as eSports organisations.
Moving into the week, here are the matches we have our eyes on, as Optimus Crime gives us his insights into who will prevail, and who will ultimately crumble under the pressure.
ESL ANZ Championship Betting Tips
Thursday, 13th of March 2017
Poor Team Cypher. They did so well leading up to this group stage, and have just found themselves faltering so heavily. They pulled off a huge upset against the top ranked team (Athletico eSports) in week 5, but being one of the only matches they've won, it was a rarity. Corvidae aren't doing much better, however seem to be looking quite tight at the moment, and if players such as Urbz can get onto a roll, this should be an easy match for them to pick up. Last time these two met, it was a draw at 1-1, but expect Corvidae to pick up the first map.
Funky Monkeys vs Alpha Sydney
Alpha Sydney are really intriguing to watch right now. They are so capable of putting teams like Avant Garde and Legacy to the test, but just can't seem to close out maps. They get into such a lead, and then just watch it all fall before their eyes. Funky Monkeys are looking fantastic right now, and if they keep going the way they are, expect them to qualify comfortably.
Athletico eSports vs Team Supremacy
Athletico are just machines at the moment. An unfortunate upset to Team Cypher was really unexpected, however they are just not making mistakes right now. Team Supremacy has been plagued so badly by management issues, but still seem capable of rallying. There's still a chance for Team Supermacy to clinch a map here, and with it being week 7 I honestly expect them to put their heads down and get the job done on at least one map.
And that's the games to keep an eye on for this week. I figure rather than attempting to cover all of them, I will throw out some of my better matches to follow, and ultimately the more exciting ones if you watch them regularly. As always, here's to a good week for it, and for anyone unsure of where to follow the action, you can watch it live at https://www.twitch.tv/esl_csgo/
Otherwise, happy punting, and as standard, give em hell in LCK MVP!
Make sure to read full terms and conditions of any betting promotion before placing any bets - may not be available to residents of all states.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
